Royal Secret for Men Five Star Fragrance 2000
6
Helpful Review
Strange from New York
At the very bottom of the shelf and hidden behind the counter, I found Royal Secret for Men at the Michels perfumery in Bonn. To uncover some perfumes, you really have to act like a truffle pig!
I had never heard of Royal Secret before - despite this insanely original name. It was theoretically available for about 10 years; now it seems to be discontinued, as there are offers online at bargain prices. The brand Five Star Fragrances, which is distributed in Germany by Monteil, is equally unknown to me.
When you take this fragrance in your hand, you have to swallow first. The red-gray packaging is very cheap and poorly designed. Inside is an elongated, square bottle, a cross between Azzaro pour Homme and the former Givenchy Gentleman. In the 70s, this would have been the latest trend, but for 1999, such a thing is completely incomprehensible! For intended 70s cult, for desired irony, there is no indication - they really mean it!
One wonders who Five Star Fragrances actually is? Well, it is a cosmetics company from the USA, based in Deer Park, New York (seems to be in the New York City area). But more cannot be found out.
Of course, the 70s approach continues in the scent, combined with a clichéd “loud” American style. That is to say - Royal Secret for Men is by no means particularly subtle, as nothing is hidden here. Royal Secret for Men is a dark-toned, chypre-like fragrance: a thin citrus note in the top, a floral-creamy complex in the heart that is far too strong for a men's perfume, and a dark base behind it - somewhat sharp, slightly soapy, with amber and something else dark. However, it is not a classic chypre accord. Fragrantica lists: sandalwood, amber, jasmine, rose, citrus notes. I believe I smell vanilla volume - together with the flowers, it comes across as quite broad.
After initial joy at discovering a “gem,” disillusionment sets in. The floral notes are too intrusive, while the base is bland. Overall, I find it to be one-dimensional. I think I don’t want to wear this, as it is not pleasant. Maybe I’ll give Royal Secret another chance, but for today, that’s enough for now.
I had never heard of Royal Secret before - despite this insanely original name. It was theoretically available for about 10 years; now it seems to be discontinued, as there are offers online at bargain prices. The brand Five Star Fragrances, which is distributed in Germany by Monteil, is equally unknown to me.
When you take this fragrance in your hand, you have to swallow first. The red-gray packaging is very cheap and poorly designed. Inside is an elongated, square bottle, a cross between Azzaro pour Homme and the former Givenchy Gentleman. In the 70s, this would have been the latest trend, but for 1999, such a thing is completely incomprehensible! For intended 70s cult, for desired irony, there is no indication - they really mean it!
One wonders who Five Star Fragrances actually is? Well, it is a cosmetics company from the USA, based in Deer Park, New York (seems to be in the New York City area). But more cannot be found out.
Of course, the 70s approach continues in the scent, combined with a clichéd “loud” American style. That is to say - Royal Secret for Men is by no means particularly subtle, as nothing is hidden here. Royal Secret for Men is a dark-toned, chypre-like fragrance: a thin citrus note in the top, a floral-creamy complex in the heart that is far too strong for a men's perfume, and a dark base behind it - somewhat sharp, slightly soapy, with amber and something else dark. However, it is not a classic chypre accord. Fragrantica lists: sandalwood, amber, jasmine, rose, citrus notes. I believe I smell vanilla volume - together with the flowers, it comes across as quite broad.
After initial joy at discovering a “gem,” disillusionment sets in. The floral notes are too intrusive, while the base is bland. Overall, I find it to be one-dimensional. I think I don’t want to wear this, as it is not pleasant. Maybe I’ll give Royal Secret another chance, but for today, that’s enough for now.
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4 Comments
Nomadsoul 11 years ago
Thanks, my intention to buy has just been canceled.
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MisterPetite 13 years ago
The packaging of Bijan for men also says "Five Star Fragrances." It seems the company produced scents for various clients back then. That could be true; the packaging looks cheap, and the scent itself is quite intense, like something from the '80s.
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Rivegauche 14 years ago
I agree... still terrible in memory. And exactly: Monteil Cosmetics.
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Ergoproxy 14 years ago
I can only agree with Flaconetti! The Five-Star attempt is rather nice, but the men's version is dreadful.
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